TIMBER! and Thankful Post #29

So, if you watched the previous video with our tree decorating festivities......

Sunday morning, Curious Connor, who has been removing ornaments and replacing them all onto one branch, was by the tree. I was trying to catch a few winks on the couch and Ian was, naturally, reading his Lego magazine.

And then the sound of the tree falling, ornaments tinkling and crashing and Connor saved only by the tree falling against the door and not completely on the floor. He was completely stunned and sat very quietly on the couch while Tom and I wrestled the tree into the garage. No tears, but almost like he knew it could have been much worse. Two legs snapped off the base, so Tom scouted about for a new base, which he found Sunday evening at Lowe's.

The ornaments survived, even the breakable ones on high branches. There were a few ornament casualties from Friday-including....

Decapitated Snoopy

It's not over til the Snowman breaks his xylophone

and another Snoopy is floating in the atmosphere, separated from the Moon.

The Glitter Trumpet (Tom's "favorite") has thankfully survived. We don't really like this ornament, which is exactly why I keep it because our students take delight in giving us some of the most garish musical ornaments imaginable. It's always a good laugh whenever that gilded trumpet is unearthed.

And because I am not the most timely person, it is only fitting that I am a few days behind in finishing my gratitude posts. I wasn't quite sure what to write, but today unfolded and wrote itself.

This morning, one of Tom's colleagues lost her husband to cancer over the weekend and at one of my schools, a preschool teacher-younger than me-died over the weekend. Hug your family a little closer and be ever so grateful for the time that we spend with each other-whether it's in person, via email or on the phone. To be grateful for a loved one's presence even if the time with them feels short. I am sure that these two people, who are missed greatly, will find much peace and happiness in their next journey.

Thankful Post #28: Thankful for Tradition

Thankful Post #27: Thanksgiving Day

We spent the day with the Wines and their extended family. Rick, Matt, Cindy and her Aunt Joyce cooked a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Ian was excited to dress up a bit and wore his dress shirt and jacket all day long. Connor went for the casual dress up, complete with untucked shirt, sans jacket and the necessary swipe of dirt on one cheek.

Trevor and Annika were very gracious hosts and the kids played well for much of the day. Connor destroyed a few Lego ships and a snowman craft, but keeping things out of his reach is a rule Ian has learned the hard way many times.

I've said it before, but being away from family is hard around the holidays. We missed everyone tremendously, but grateful to spend the day with good friends who consider us family.

Stay tuned as more posts come-I got a little behind with the festivities!

Thankful Post #26

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

As we get ready to visit my friend Cindy and her crew, I just want to say to our families that we miss you terribly, we love you and we are all very, very thankful for each one of you.

Thankful Post #25

My heart is going out to Mumbai and the hostage situation in India. While we are enjoying family and friends and reflecting on the aspects of our lives that we are grateful for, we have to keep these people in our hearts as this situation continues to unfold.

Thankful Post #24

Well, today I am just grateful that my little Kindergarten performance went well! My last school had a little Thanksgiving feast, complete with construction paper hats (turkeys, pilgrims, etc). They were very cute-no weird echo/tempo issues, which is good for Kindergarteners. Music teachers will understand what I mean.

I haven't played piano in awhile, but no clunkers to report. However, the principal, who is a very nice guy and obviously enjoys music, played guitar with us. After dropping his very nice guitar at the beginning of the program, I think it was a little out of tune. Then, on one song, he was playing in a different key, producing a very interesting bi-tonal effect I haven't heard since my senior year of 20th century music theory. But, the kids were cute and that is what matters. I did feel bad as there were only a handful of parents-who can afford to come in to school at 1:45pm for a 10-minute performance?

And now, it's on to holiday music-which COULD be fun, but out here in Arizona, where church and state are intertwined in a very sticky way, it's quite a challenge as a music teacher. I also have a lot of classroom teachers who like to decide what songs will be taught in my class-which is irksome most of the time. But, I forge ahead and hope for the best!

So, thanks to all those little voices today-one of the best Kindergarten concerts to date!

Note on the posting dates: Okay, today is the 25th. I SHOULD be on 25 and somehow am on 24. Raven asked if I have a calendar somewhere and I do, but apparently my number challenges are far-reaching. It is really astounding, considering my sister-in-law is a math teacher and my mother's entire family are all really good at math. To that math kid I tutored last year-I am so, so sorry.

Ian was also asked what he was thankful for in Karate today. His reply was, "My little brother, my friends and my mom!" Mr. Meza reminded him, "Hey, what about your dad? He's pretty cool too!" Ian said, "I am very thankful for my dad too!" He also hugged me when I picked him up at daycare today, saying "Mommy, I love you more than a turkey!" Now that's love!

Thankful Post # 23

First of all, let us start by being thankful that I have correctly numbered this post in sequential order today. I hope the Math Goddess is appeased.

I am thankful for having a great little car that gets me from place to place safely and rather efficiently. Tonight, I had to replace one of my tires and all day I thought about its safety and my own safety as I rolled around town on a very low tire. Sometimes I get in the car and don't think twice about anything like tires or brakes. But, I don't need fancy, big or expensive. I just need safe and something that will not break the bank. I also hope by the next time that I need to buy a car, I can get a hybrid or whatever environmentally-friendly car will be around by then.

And a quick homage to my other cars....my little Geo Prizm, which was my very first car when I got my first teaching position. It lasted me for over 12 years, including many, many trips between the Hudson Valley and Long Island.


And the Jetmobile aka my Ford Escort, which was my college car. This car last a lot longer than it should have. It had automatic seatbelts, a cool trip timer, and it held all of my college stuff every single year.

There was one more car, which I don't have a photo, but it suffered quite a bit in my hands. It was a Chevy Monte Carlo-which I had to parallel park every day in front of my house. I drove it around in high school and never bothered to check the oil, have oil changes or look under the hood. After an afternoon of serious engine knocks, I literally blew a hole in the engine from it being bone dry. My uncle showed me an engine that was intact compared with the one that I blew up-and have gotten regular oil changes since then. He found an engine to replace it and somehow I managed to keep driving the car.

So, let's be thankful for a good set of wheels and remember to check tires and oil frequently!

Thankful Post #22

Yesterday's should have been #21. Apparently sequential counting is not one of my stronger points. Good thing my son is going to Kindergarten next year...maybe I will get to practice math all over again as he learns.

It was roughly ten years ago that I ran the New York City Marathon. Back in the day, B.C. (before children) I ran quite a bit, doing 5k's and had a few running buddies too. The New York Marathon was my one and only marathon-and one of the most memorable things I have ever done for myself. Running in New York City (or "The City" as we New Yorkers say-as if there are no other cities in existence) is indescribable. The Verazano Bridge was disconcerting as it wobbled and bounced under the feet of all the runners on it. Brooklyn had people handing out candy and bottled water to the runners and they cheered like you were a movie star. In Manhattan, my family and friends met me and had a sign. You ran really, really fast in the Bronx and it was all mind over matter in Central Park toward the finish. My suggestion to anyone running or wanting to run a marathon, NYC is the place to do it.

As a side note, I have little black running gloves from the marathon that I got before starting the race. I still have the gloves, still wear them. One of my favorite treasures from that day.

All THAT being said, there is NO way that I am running another marathon in the near future. Besides the time commitment, it is very physically demanding. And post-baby me is just hoping to be able to run down to the main road and back. So, I tried that today. My sneakers are terrible for running and with about a quarter way to the main road, my lungs were exploding and my mind was talking to me. Just to the next street. Just to the stop sign. Chin up. When I wasn't running, I worked on walking tadasana with open posture, like a walking/running meditation.

But I look back at myself. And I am grateful for what the human body-my human body-can do.

It held together solidly to run a marathon. It survived the birth of two beautiful, impossibly large babies. While it has not been the same since their arrival, I have learned to appreciate it more than I ever did years ago. I need inspiration to continue to keep it in good condition-sometimes it's time or motivation issues-but I hope that this winter I can make a good effort to continue to treat it well with yoga, maybe some running and making better food choices and continuing to be grateful whether I reach my goal or not.

Thankful Post #20

Connor was accepted into preschool today! He is eligible to begin in January. We still have a lot of details to work out and consider, but we feel strongly that this will be a good situation for him.

I am so thankful that he was eligible-by the hair of his chinny-chinny-chin, really. His scores were really quite good, except in two areas, which only showed a moderate delay, compared with a severe delay from last year.

In other news, I am really too tired to report on Ian's two or three hour conversation about secret agents tonight. I found him a little "how to be a spy" book in JoAnn's last night for a dollar. More on this tomorrow, when I think about how to give you the condensed version.

Until then, Agent Secret Girl 725 out.

Thankful Post #20

I am thankful for these wonderful short stories-short enough to enjoy one during lunch hour or waiting at the doctor's office. It's also one of my favorite forms to read, because I find it a true literary art to craft a brilliant story in only a handful of pages.

Last year's guest editor was Stephen King and he was inspired to write his own set of short stories after his work on the 2007 Best of Short Stories. I also took a moment to leaf through his new book, Just After Sunset and hopefully I'll get to read those stories in the near future.

I also hopped over to Goodwill, looking for stuffed animal turkeys. My teacher lunch bunch are avid Goodwill shoppers and encourage me to stop and look. Not only did I find two turkeys (for music class game songs), but I also found a Joyce Carol Oates book for $1.99 as well as The Memory Keeper's Daughter for 99 cents, both in nice condition. Other treasures included a Lightning McQueen puzzle for Connor for 70 cents and a very cute shelf for Ian when we repaint for only $3.00. I was very happy with my finds-especially the books-and Connor, having a rough day of running a fever, calmed down when we opened his new puzzle.

This book is one that I discovered at Barnes and Noble the other evening and immediately placed on my Christmas list for myself. I thumbed through, wishing I had my laptop or a notebook to work on some of the exercises. Sometimes I think my blog could be, might be and probably will be a large part of my memoir, so it couldn't hurt my blog writing either. The only thing is I don't know if I can wait until Christmas for this one!

I also want to highlight a stellar new writing website called Publexicon, which is a blog production of Billy from Chapter and Verse. His evocative poetry is great inspiration and his Publexicon is a terrific source for a fledgling writer-want-to-be like me.

Feel free to share books you are reading in the comments!

When Your Heart is All Broken into Pieces

We all suffer difficult friendships and encounter confrontation. It's hard enough when it's yourself.

Tonight, after putting my sons to bed, I hear weeping and talking from the room. Ian comes out in tears, needing his clock to see what time it will be "when I can come home to play with Mommy."

I tuck him back into bed (alarm clock in place and visible to him) and he begins weeping.

"Mommy, nobody wants to play with me. None of my friends want to listen to me. I ask them to play but they just ignore me or they don't want to play with me. " Enter more sobbing tears.

Besides trying to not cry myself, he talks more about how two of his daycare friends will play with him, but the others won't. The realities of life are awakening at age 4. Sadly, this isn't the first time that he has cried over friends, and sadly, it will not be the last.

Ian isn't much for chaos and rambunctious play. He likes to be the organizer, the rule giver and most times, he has a long-winded approach. Young boys at age 4 who thrive on active, imaginative play leave him in the dust. Or he finds kids (usually older kids or adults) who like more organized games. But he wants the rambunctious kids to conform and it probably will not happen. Especially at age 4.

On the other hand, he has a gentle heart. A few kids test out mean words or phrases and he takes them all in and holds onto them until bedtime. He explains that "his heart is all broken into pieces now". So, not only do I have to sweep up his pieces and help him put them back together, I now have to fix my own heart too.

We talk about how to deal with mean words that hurt and how to be strong. How to ignore and choose to play with those who are our friends. How to protect your heart by being strong. We test out a few phrases to say to those who speak mean or angry words. We talk about when it's time to ask a grownup for help. We talk about how some friends aren't being mean, they just really want to play instead of listen. We talk about the good friends he does have. (by the way, Uncle Mike, Cousin Sam and Trevor made this list)

Our next-door neighbor kids invited Ian over this afternoon to play. Then, they came over to our house, played in the backyard, watched a movie and had a wonderful time. They have come over looking for Ian every day this week. They asked if he would be home tomorrow. I talked to Ian about that and he agreed that it was nice to have friends who love to come and see him.

He is now busy "putting his heart back together" by looking at his new Lego catalog with his nightlight. I still hear him sniffling in there.

Now, I need to figure out how I will put my heart back together and learn how to guide him through this. (probably for the next fourteen years or more!) Unfortunately, we all go through this and maybe that's how we become who we are. But no one told me how much it hurts to see your child endure this, especially one with a gentle and good heart.

Thankful Post # 18 (?)

I don't know what the date is to figure out my post number!

It's been fun to make friends on the Internet- and while I love all of my readers dearly, I have to give props to my blog friend, Michelle. I think that I found Michelle via the Scrapbook Addict forum (she is a serious scrapbook/stamp addict!) and we participated in the Scrapbook Addict blog ring. I think she is still on the blog ring, but I am not. She would always, always leave comments on my blog and it has been a nice friendship.

Now, my scrapbooking has been non-existent for quite some time, as much I enjoyed it and still love playing with my photos and all. However, after working for Scrapbook.com for a few years, I accumulated tons of Bazzill scrapbook paper-which is really lovely paper with gorgeous textures and colors. I ended up sending her a bunch of paper from my stash in exchange for her creation of my thank you cards for Connor's autism walk.

She also knows that my son, Ian, is a mail checker. This boy checks the mail religiously every single day, looking for mail. Uncle Mike and Aunt Terri send him letters, as does my sister-in-law Kristen, plus he gets Lego magazines, a kids magazine and now, he has a penpal in Michelle. She has been making him some of the most adorable cards and he loves opening them. The latest came yesterday-to congratulate him on his orange belt and he sat with that orange penguin card in the car talking about it for the entire ride to daycare. He loves orange! What's a penpal? Why does she live far away? Why is the penguin wearing underwear? Do you know what penguins like to eat? Do you know where penguins wear three buttons? (aka brads fastened on the paper) On and on.

So, Michelle, I am grateful that you always bring a bright spot to my day with your comments here and also thankful that you brighten up my son's day with those beautiful handmade cards! I cannot wait for a day to get together and share some margaritas and do some crafts together-it will happen someday!

Thankful Post #17

I backtracked, since Terri reminded me that I was out of numerical order on my posts (which made me laugh, because I was not quite sure what number I was on anyway, so thanks for spotting that, Terri!)

I am really thankful for my second job, with the Sonoran Desert Chorale. Besides being such stellar musicians, it is such an enjoyable group of people to be around. I don't sing in the chorale, mainly because I have become increasingly self-conscious in my middle age about singing anything but children's songs. Of course, the work is either all or not much.....but this week, I have been finishing grant reports, organizing two community events and organizing instrumentalists and volunteers for the upcoming concerts. While much of the time, I am really finding my way in some of the work, the chorale board members are good mentors for me as well. My only wish is that I had more time to devote to this type of work. One problem is that I really like to focus on my work without interruption. To do that would mean not having any of the boys around and sometimes that happens or I work late at night. Luckily, I can sometimes come home and work a few hours on Friday or Tom will pick up the kids if he is off that night so I can work. But it's a great part time job. And it's on my brain tonight as we just finished our board meeting.

While I am at it, I'll do a little fundraiser plug too. If you look on my left sidebar and see the GoodSearch link....this is a fundraiser for the chorale that uses the GoodSearch search engine.(based on Yahoo) If you use GoodSearch to do Internet search, the Chorale gets 1 cent per search. If you follow the link, you can set your search browser to GoodSearch on behalf of the Chorale and earn money. If you use GoodShop and make holiday purchases, the Chorale gets a higher percentage of the amount of the purchase made. So, if you are looking for an easy way to make a donation, this is a great help!

"Mommy, I've Got Something to Show You!"

For some reason, Blogger feels I should be underlining. Sorry for the inconvenient read!

Ian has been into wearing footie pajamas to bed. Last night, he comes in to me and announces:
"Mommy, I have something to show you!" I turn around to see what he is talking about. The child begins to unzip his pajamas.
I turn back around quickly, "Ian, that's inappropriate! Zip up your pajamas!" He continues to reach down into the feet of his pajamas for a little set of cars he has managed to hide. He unearthes them with a tremendous smile.
"See, Mommy! You didn't know where I was hiding them!" So true.

So later that evening when all is quiet, I decide to go and check on the sleeping children. First of all, Connor has managed to fall asleep against the door, so Tom has to do some one-armed maneuvering to get him to roll over so we can open the door. Once we get in the room, he settles Connor into bed and I go to look at Ian, who looks like he is sleeping with an uncomfortable arched back.



Upon closer inspection, I realize he has something hidden in his pajamas.

Tom and I actually turned the lights on to take photos of him and Ted, of course. And this morning, Ted still has a prime snuggle spot with Ian.

And since Connor should not be outdone here, I spent some time sorting through winter clothes (aka long-sleeved shirts and long pants) and came across his Thomas the Train snow boots bought by Grandma Sheila last season. I looked inside the boots to find a car and a little man, cleverly hidden in the boots by her as she is very good at maximizing space.

Connor became very intrigued by these boots and yet didn't know what to do with them. I put them on his feet (they are his size) and he tromped around all afternoon with snow boots on. (mind you, I think it was about 80 degrees here) Outside on the swing set, in the house and yes, even out to Tom's gig in the evening. Nothing like a good pair of boots.

I'll make this thankful post #18 by saying how grateful I am that they have a sense of humor and they constantly give me some terrific blog material. Thanks, boys!

Thankful Post #15 and 16

I probably would have written a post yesterday, but we are having some internet issues, so after restarting the computer a dozen times and playing around with the modem, I gave up doing internet anything yesterday.

To start, I want to say how thankful I am for internet. Really. When asked yesterday about our long-distance relationship back a mere 14 years ago, Tom and I talked about our three hour drives, handwriting letters, expensive phone calls. This was just before the computer was a household necessity and before Internet. To think how much EASIER it would have been to have internet then?! In just a few short years, we have come a long, long way and it is truly amazing to think that my children will not know anything without Internet. And now we have trouble doing anything but sitting and being a part of the Internet world. It is truly missed when it isn't available to us! So, Internet gods, what offering are you looking for?? I created a special post for you so I hope you will look kindly on us now.

My second thankful post would be for our friends Julie and Sean, who are so much fun to hang out with, as we did last night-swapping some truly outstanding stories and then they introduced us to Guitar Hero. We enjoy and appreciate their company so much. Plus, Ian wanted to make Julie cookies for her birthday and he created for her one of the best birthday cards I have seen from him yet. Thankfully, he hasn't been introduced to Guitar Hero yet.

Thankful Post #14

Oh, lordy, as my great-grandmother used to say. I am finding it incredibly hard to feel anything but unhinged (as my friend Julie so eloquently mentioned today!) and thankful is about the last thing I am right now. Sometimes looking deeper for some gratitude can be a very soothing balm.

Tomorrow morning, bright and very early, our speech therapist-who doubles as a photographer-will be taking our family holiday photos for us. Those who follow my blog know that I am usually behind the camera and rarely do you see photos of all four of us together. Or the four of us looking halfway decent! I imagine she has her work cut out for her tomorrow.

She has even guided me out of dressing the boys in matching outfits (that was a hard talk-down) but she convinced me to think out of the box and so we have some new variations on outfits.

All these photographs I collect are my little treasures. Yeah, Michael and Tom bug me about how many photos I have on my computer (A LOT!) but this is what I have of fleeting moments that are gone before I have gotten the chance to truly savor them. The chunky cheeks that Ian had just a year ago are becoming chiseled. Connor looks more like Ian every moment. His photos are turning more poetic as he finally emerges with beautiful eyes looking, smiling and living fully. No more hollow glances and quiet frustration. They grow before my eyes and I cannot even see it until I examine each photo. And each time I see my photos, delightful surprises abound.

So, I am thankful for this record of time and thankful that we do have megapixels, SLR and all the goodies I honestly cannot comprehend. (or have money for!)

Yet to have the four of us together, as we never will be again....I know I will be grateful this opportunity came along. I will be examining them with stories in my head, poems to write, awakening memories that will be welcomed back with fondness.

"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever...it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything."
Aaron Suskind

Thankful Post #13

The end of yet another long day, but enjoyable to watch a backyard full of children (six to be exact!) running and playing. Hopscotch. Hide and seek. Chase. Pulling each other around in the wagon. Coming inside for ice pops. Thinking how I used to be one of those kids, playing the neighbor's yard.

I am thankful that, while I am not technically "old", I honestly feel young at heart. I truly believe that, even though the body changes and deteriorates, that old can also be a state of mind. If you think you are old and less capable, believing that makes it harder to be well and happy. I have met several people over the years who are stellar examples of living life young. One former co-worker from the jewelry store years ago was working part time, driving, baking Grand Marnier cakes for everyone's birthday, on the board of an organization and would go to movies. She was more active than I was in my 20's! My mom still reports in that she is still making appearances. She was in her seventies back then. My sister-in-law's parents are another set that come to mind. Tom and I always admire them for so much, but their independence and participation in different activities is always something we love about them.

I also know a lot of people who aren't physically active, but have determined spirit and such a healthy approach to life and citizenship. I am thankful for the opportunity, first to know this young-at-heart individuals who keep my life in perspective and then to watch my children play and run because it keeps me happy and light-hearted even when I feel winter-bluesy.

Thankful Post #12

Whew, one of those days where I took me until 9:48pm (right now!) to catch my breath. Before I down some much-needed Nyquil, I wanted to gather my thoughts on a thankful post. Unfortunately, I feel a bit melancholy today, even though it has been a pleasant day. I took Ian to try on some new pants-he sprouted up in the last few weeks and has a bunch of high-water pants for his emerging lankiness. He enjoyed picking out new pants and we found a few of those favorite "6-pocket" pants that he loves so much. Finding him a nice in-between jacket was not in the cards today, as they all had football logos on them. I want to get him something microfleece that doesn't have pictures on it. Ian's requirement: it must have a hood. We'll keep looking.

The boys spent the evening with Aunt Cindy and Uncle Rick while I attended the Chandler Schools Night of Recognition. The superintendent re-awarded me the Arizona Working Parent of the Year award along with the board members. It was really nice and a bit unnerving as there were tv crews there. I ducked out before the end so that Cindy and Rick weren't too long with the kids.

And I decided that I am really thankful for both Cindy and Rick. They have watched the boys a million times and vice versa. They are our family here. We are spending Thankgiving with them and looking forward to seeing all of Cindy's extended family too. I am so grateful for their friendship and I have no idea how I would survive without Cindy in my life.

Thankful Post #11

I am thankful for all of the veterans who served our country well. You are honored for your willingness to put your country before yourself.

Thankful Post #10

I am so thankful for my husband, who is a great husband and super dad. He is incredibly busy with gigs over the next two months-very good for the bank account-but always tough because he is out almost every day.

Last night, I could feel myself succumbing to what is probably bronchitis, after a month of everyone else being sick. I went to school and taught with minimal voice and now I am ready to crawl into bed. After canceling Connor's therapy this afternoon, I asked Tom to get the boys from daycare and handle them for the evening. He took them to the park, got them dinner, handled all of the dinner drama (and there is a LOT of that lately) and after making some more business calls, is now playing Star Wars with the boys. Tomorrow, he is taking them to a parade and will probably get most of the boy detail so I can shake this cold without taking any days off this week. (we are off tomorrow)

This past weekend, he took some well-deserved time to go for a long hike on Piestawa Peak on his own. He helped me with grocery shopping on Sunday before his gig. He helped with bath time after the gig too. The nice part of this time of year is that he gets to play a lot and it is obviously fulfilling for him. There is a lot of great music to look forward to and despite the grueling schedule, he enjoys performing.

So, as I get ready to crawl under my down comforter (I know, it's like 68 degrees here....brr!) and watch some tv, he is busy with two very loud and happy boys, getting them ready for bed. I am just grateful for all of the little things that he does for all of us, because the little things make such a difference.

He is loved very, very much!

Thankful Post #9

It's time to wish my brother-in-law Chris and my sister-in-law Kristen a very happy 1st anniversary! Word has it that Kristen will be enjoying a spa day with my other sister-in-law Terri before an anniversary dinner and I hope Chris and Kristen have a wonderful evening celebrating the first of many years together.

I am so thankful for my brother-in-law Chris. I don't get to talk to him very often anymore, but he has been a great friend and both he and Michael have been the brothers that I never had growing up. And having brothers is a lot of fun! My son Ian is very impressed with Uncle Chris, who spent time putting Legos together with him. And as we all know, you rate very highly in Ian's book if you manage to sit through a good Lego session with him.

And I am thrilled that he has found Kristen, who has completed the sister-in-law club very nicely. (she got big Ian ratings when she sent photos of her cat and horse-although the puppy card was admired by both Ian and Connor) Kristen is a great spa buddy (part of the sister-in-law pact) and she is a lot of fun to be around. I just wish I could be around these two more often.

I am most thankful for these two people who provide great friendship to not only Tom and me but to my boys as well. Congratulations on your first year of marriage and happy anniversary!

Thankful Post 8: Ian's Thanks

So, I sat down to type my gratitude post and Ian asked what I was writing. After having to explain thankfulness, Ian wanted to dictate his thanks and "send to everyone I know!" So, here goes....

I am thankful that I am myself.
I am thankful for Connor because I just am.
I am thankful for Trevor because he is my friend.
I am thankful for Uncle Mike and Sam because I love them.
I am thankful for Annika because she is a lot bigger.
I am thankful for Mommy because I love you, so much that you can make me sad.
I am thankful for Daddy because he's good at Legos and he knows what the problems are when I do something wrong.
I am thankful for Aunt Terri because she loves to play games.
I am thankful for Aunt Soooz because she makes funny faces and she has different hair.
I am thankful for Uncle Chris because he knows how to build Legos because I teached him how.
I am thankful for Grandma Sheila because she is good at stuff.
I am thankful for Grandma Sandy because I just am.
I am thankful for Aunt Cindy and Uncle Rick because they are Trevor and Annika's mother and father so they can be safe.
I am thankful for Justin because he's my friend.
I am thankful for Justin and Jessica because they're my two best friends.
I am thankful for Snowball. (neighbor cat)
I am thankful for Mr. Meza because he does karate a lot.

Thankful Post 7

I am grateful for Ian's martial arts training and how much he enjoys it. Last night, he received the next rank of Orange Belt, by the skin of his teeth, I should add. (Ian has refused to eat dinner most nights, so he almost ended up going to bed instead of going to the graduation)

Ian, while probably the youngest of the martial arts students, has become one of the favorites. The older kids tend to act like mother hens with him-helping him stay in line or reminding him what to do. One of the moms last night said that her son reports back on whatever Ian had done in class that day with admiration. Ian enjoys the structure, the rules and looks forward to the day when he can be a black belt instructor and of course, tell everyone what to do.

For his orange belt, Ian had to pick a sponsor. To read more about his sponsor: click here.

Mr. Meza is a terrific teacher and we respect that he sets the tone for the classes and creates high expectations for all of them with positive encouragement. He gives safety lectures at various schools in the area and talks about stranger danger with them as well. He has the best interest of the kids at heart and they all flourish with his guidance. Ian at home, responds with "Yes, sirs" and "Yes, ma'ams" and we usually have a once or twice a week Ian-guided karate/yoga session at home with us as his minions. I have always known Ian to be respectful and well-behaved because we expect it from him, but martial arts seems to be such a good place for him to grow and gain self-confidence.

We are very, very proud of Ian and his progress and we will do whatever we can to keep him in karate for as long as he wants to attend. I am also thankful to Mr. Meza, the Petersons (co-owners) and all of the good parents and students at the studio for always being so gracious themselves and for being such great role models for Ian.



p/s I have videos, but having trouble getting them uploaded.....stay tuned!

Thankful Post 6

First of all, I know that we picked to live in Arizona.

With that preface, I am sincerely thankful that the weather is changing (it must have been listening on election day!) and those breezy, sunny 75 degree days are back. After hovering in the 90's for much of the last month, this is a welcome change.

We are stopping at the park after school-three times already (me twice with the boys and Tom with Ian tonight). The bikes are going to be fired up this weekend and I am scouting about for some long-sleeved shirts and sweaters. Ian needs a new in-between jacket and Connor has a new Lightning McQueen one. (Connor hates the jackets and Ian wears his all day-go figure!)

Delightful fall weather-this is the best time to be in Arizona. Yes, I am grateful to not live in the land of snow and ice (at least for now) only because I have a deep aversion to being cold. The only sad part is that I think I am going to have to retire my flip-flops and open toe shoes for the dreaded closed toe footwear. Nooo!

Oh, I am also going to be very grateful when my power bill goes way down as the A/C is finally turned off. Very, very grateful!

Obamanos 2008 and Thankful Post 5

Congratulations to Barack Obama, his lovely family and to all of his hard-working staff and volunteers who organized and reenergized the voting process and made history.

And congratulations to John McCain on a valiant effort.

Now the hard work begins.

I am thankful the campaign is over. Let's roll up our sleeves and get going.

Thankful Post 4

Well, continuing with my election obsession, I was able to vote in this election this afternoon and very proud to be a part of this-no matter the outcome.

My favorite moments were this morning......talking to Ian about election day and how Mommy and Daddy were going to vote for a new President. Then getting to explain what an election is and what the President does (I phrased it that the President helps makes rules-which resonates with Ian).

Mommy: "Who are you voting for, Ian?"

Ian: "JOHN MCCAIN"

Mommy: (serious bout of laughter)

Ian: "I'm voting for John McCain."

Mommy: "Hey, Connor, who are you voting for?"

Connor: "Lightning McQueen!"

Ian and Mommy: (more laughter)

Ian: "I am not voting for Rock Babama."

Mommy: "Really? Why not?"

Ian: "Because I am voting for John McCain!"

Connor: "Gabama!"

Later this afternoon.....

Ian: "Where'd you get that sticker, Mommy?"

Mommy: " I voted today and I got one for you."

Ian: "Yeeesss." (affixing sticker to his karate pant leg, later moved to the center of his shirt)

Mommy: "Today is election day and Mommy and Daddy both voted."

Ian: "Who did Daddy vote for?"

Mommy: "You'll have to ask him."

Ian: "When I am President, I am going to make so many rules. And everyone will have to listen!"

Mommy: (laughter) "You can be whatever you want."

Ian: "Actually, I just want to be a black belt leader."

Anyway, happy voting to all and regardless of your choice or the outcome, it is truly outstanding to see the turnout and how many Americans want to have a say in our future.

Off to get some pizza (yes, I ordered pizza!) and sending Tom out to get it (hee, hee!). And off to watch that guy using that crazy digital map. Arizona was PINK the last time I looked, so I am excited that we could go either way!

And I am thankful to all who exercised their chance to vote. You rock!

Thankful Post 3

I am thankful for the right to vote and the opportunity to exercise this privilege tomorrow, especially in such an historic election. My husband is looking forward to the end of the election, simply because I will not keep him up watching and discussing the election stories. I even have my little cheat sheet with all of the props for Arizona, the school, county and city races too.

Now, I just need to get some good snacks and maybe a bottle of wine to sit and watch some serious election coverage tomorrow. So, don't call me tomorrow-not answering the phone. And honestly, after all of the election calls tonight, I stopped answering tonight too!

By the way, Ian is voting for John McCain. Connor is voting for "Gabama."

Vote, vote, vote!

Murphy Walk for Autism

I am learning that our biggest challenges can turn into our strongest assets. You love your children and families despite all of the quirks and sometimes because of those very quirks. I think we are all looking for the cause of autism and we hope that the mystery can be unlocked. And many of us don't find autism to be an affliction or a type of suffering-it's just another facet that sometimes needs extra polishing. I am grateful that while autism is not an easy path, there is a lot of company along the way.

Welcome to November!

Hard to believe that we are in November but it is a lovely time to be thankful. Last year, I posted my special thanks through the month of November and am considering it again. Of course, I'd need to get going! Posting every day can be fun or impossible-just ask blogger friends. Some days are short on time, others are just devoid of coherent words and yet other days are fountains of stories. Feel free to provide comments if you support a daily post of thanks from me and if you would read....encouragement is always a good thing.

And speaking of encouragement, I have been a beginner yoga student for eons-first doing some yoga with my good friend, Hilary and a few actual classes here and there. Hilary has since moved to greener pastures over in Austin, TX, but I still look to her for yoga guidance and encouragement.

After some time off from yoga, I decided to try the class at my son's karate studio. Billie has challenged the class with some really tricky poses and it is keeping my interest renewed each week.

A few weeks ago, I asked her about doing headstands and shoulder stands, which I haven't done since I was a child. Even then, I wasn't really great at them! She was enthusiastic to teach it to me (actually, she taught it during a class that I missed) and I did my first yoga headstand in probably thirty years.

Did I worry about my old juga body getting into the pose? Sure. But I was determined to try. I had a spotter for the first round and when I saw myself in the mirror doing the pose that I only read about in magazines-it was empowering. On the second try, she wanted me to kick up into the pose. That proved to be more challenging than the actual holding of the pose. Apparently, I needed to work up those core muscles hiding under the baby juga.

So, this morning, after a busy couple of weeks, I decided to unroll the mat and salute the sun. The boys were up and about, occasionally crawling under my down dog or requesting juice or snacks mid-pose. No big deal. Towards the end of my practice, I decided to do some poses against the wall. This is when Tom appeared. I was feeling pretty strong, so I decided I would try the headstand on my own, completely unsure if I could kick up on my own. After really working to get my head, neck and arms right, I found kicking up to be EASY!




For a moment, I felt pure exhilaration. Tom got his camera and by then, I was ready to hop down (my feet are all cockeyed!) but it was soooooo great. I feel energized and happy as a result. Of course, during meditation, I was totally consumed with an "I did it!" feeling, so it was harder to settle down.

Anyway, I am by no means in great shape and looking back at some old photos of me ten years ago-I see the changes. And I know that time isn't always on my side as far as exercise goes. But I am making time for yoga, both in class and at home. Probably need to sandwich the cardio in there somewhere, but this is about all I have enough time for right now.

The boys enjoy creating their own yoga poses too, which is another post for another day!

I am thankful that this old mommy has still got a few moves left!

Halloween 2008

Visit my husband's blog, Ramble On, for all the details and photos!